Introduction

A benign (non-cancerous) brain tumour is a mass of cells that grows slowly in the brain. It usually stays in one place and does not spread.

Generally, brain tumours are graded from 1 to 4 according to their behaviour, such as how fast they grow and how likely they are to spread. Grade 1 tumours are the least aggressive and grade 4 are the most harmful and cancerous. Cancerous tumours are described as malignant.

Low-grade brain tumours – grades 1 or 2 – tend to be slow growing and unlikely to spread, so they're usually classed as benign.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of a low-grade or benign brain tumour depend on how big it is and where it is in the brain. Some slow-growing tumours may not cause any symptoms at first.

Eventually, the tumour can put pressure on the brain and may cause headaches and seizures (fits). The tumour can also prevent an area of the brain from functioning properly. For example, a tumour in the occipital lobe (at the back of the brain) may cause loss of vision on one side.

Treatment

Benign brain tumours can be serious if they are not diagnosed and treated early. Although they remain in one place and do not usually spread, they can cause harm by pressing on and damaging nearby areas of the brain.

Many benign brain tumours can be surgically removed and don't come back once they have been removed, causing no further problems. However, grade 2 gliomas will often grow back after treatment and have the potential to change into high-grade or malignant (cancerous) tumours, which are fast-growing and likely to spread. This change is called mutation.

Your treatment will depend on the type and location of the tumour, and your outlook will depend on whether the tumour grows back and whether it mutates (changes).

Recovery

After treatment, several types of therapy are available to help you recover.

Your doctor can refer you to a counsellor if you want to talk about the emotional aspects of diagnosis and treatment. There are also many organisations and helplines, such as Brain Tumour UK, that provide information and support.

Benign brain tumour: Debbie's story

If you do not have a version of the Flash Player you can download the free Adobe Flash Player from Adobe Systems Incorporated.

Debbie describes being diagnosed with a benign brain tumour, the symptoms it caused, how she coped with it and what treatments she received.

Media last reviewed: 04/03/2014

Next review due: 04/03/2016

Types of benign brain tumour

There are different types of benign or slow-growing brain tumours, depending on the type of brain cells they have grown from. Examples are:

Gliomas. These are tumours of the glial tissue, which binds nerve cells and fibres together. Most brain tumours are gliomas.

Meningiomas. These are tumours of the membranes that cover the brain.

Acoustic neuromas. These tumours grow in the acoustic nerve, which helps to control hearing and balance.

Craniopharyngiomas. These tumours grow near the base of the brain and are most often diagnosed in children, teenagers and young adults.

Haemangiomas. These are tumours of the brain's blood vessels, which can cause seizures and partial paralysis.

Pituitary adenomas. These are tumours of the pituitary gland (the pea-sized gland below the brain).

Mixed tumours

Mixed brain tumours are made up of two or more different types of tumour, sometimes of different grades.

You will be treated for the most aggressive part of the tumour and your outlook will depend on how much of the tumour is malignant (cancerous), the location of the tumour in your brain and other factors such as your general health.

Average rating

All ratings

Add your rating

Leave your comment

If you want a response from an NHS professional or the website team, please contact us.

Comments

The 3 comments about ‘Brain tumour, benign’ posted are personal views. Any information they give has not been checked and may not be accurate.

Chickengravy said on 30 August 2014

I got an appointment with my GP within an hour. I was admitted to hospital within 4 hours and had a CT scan the next morning. The staff at wythenshawe hospital were amazing. From domestics to consultants. I cannot praise the GP at borchardt medical centre for being so thorough.Thankfully after a week and a detailed MRI scan it was confirmed I didn't have a pituitary adenoma. I must thank the nhs for it's swift actions. We are so lucky to have it.

stevespoc said on 18 March 2014

I have a pituitary micro-adenoma.My symptoms vary from severe headaches, blurred vision, hormone imbalances including sugar levels and dizziness leading to blackouts.I am pretty anxious as this is affecting my life, but I am told there is nothing to be done at this stage.My questions are .... what happens to me if I am driving or climbing stairs when my vision goes funny or I black out?I am very scared at the moment - not of the condition but the other effects. Can anyone offer me any advice?Stephen

tenner said on 28 November 2011

am settled in the uk and currently thinking about getting my dad to come here to have brain surgery its to remove a brain tumour can any one tell me how much it well cost and how i go about doin it am from the caribbean